I was told I need a new engine today

[LArifleMAN]

My '91 XLT has been putting out blueish white smoke and a local mech told me I should just go ahead and get a new(used) engine.

My question is how much would it be to just rebuild the old one? I'm in SoCal if that helps.

 

[grihn]

Rebuild yourself or have it rebuilt? If you do a replacement, are you gonna have that done or do it yourself? If you're gonna have it done my best suggestion would be to call around to some local shops....but if you're gonna have it done I imagine it'll be cheaper to have it rebuilt than it would be to buy an engine and have it installed, but it really depends on what all is wrong, and if they get into it and fine more than they initially thought.

 

[LArifleMAN]

Well, I'm really not that technically proficient to do it myself.

 

[Roadrunner777]

If you can deal with the down-time, I would have it rebuilt. You will want to get new heads installed. You will end up with a nearly new engine. If you get a used engine, you are possibly buying someone else's issues, and of course, it will not last as long as the rebuilt.

 

[unclemeat]

It kinda depends on how much you drive. If you do not drive it a lot of miles, the a junkyard engine ($200-400) is good. If you drive a lof of miles, then a rebuild or remanufacture ($2,000-3,000).

 

[94Eddie]

My '91 XLT has been putting out blueish white smoke and a local mech told me I should just go ahead and get a new(used) engine.

My question is how much would it be to just rebuild the old one? I'm in SoCal if that helps.

For a '91 I would find a used engine in decent condition. Putting $2k-$3k in a rebuilt engine just doesn't make financial sense to me unless the truck has high sentimental value. For that price you can find plenty of second gen Explorers or really nice first gen ones.

 

[Jason94sport]

Where I live a engine rebuild costs as much as a reman engine. Really only a few parts you can reuse with little or no work. The heads need to be new, the block will have to be honed out & prepped right. All new seals, freeze pugs, etc. Little parts adds up.
You can find a decent reman with a warranty for around $2000. Even autozone sells them special order. I have seen ones on EBay for $1500 or so.

just doesn't make financial sense

Agree, Cause once the engine is out you should replace a mess of other things at the same time.

 

[mr cribb]

For a '91 I would find a used engine in decent condition. Putting $2k-$3k in a rebuilt engine just doesn't make financial sense to me unless the truck has high sentimental value. For that price you can find plenty of second gen Explorers or really nice first gen ones.

Yeah I'd agree.... you can find tons of explorers, for $2-$3k.... Assuming there isn't any sentimental value involved.

I however, when my engine goes, will do a rebuild just because I want to. I know the cost offset is re-damn-diculous as opposed to another explorer, but it's something I've wanted to do (build an engine that is).

 

[surf]

What are your symptoms other than blue smoke? Does it run rough? How is your oil consumption? It may be time for a bottle or can of engine restore or other "miracle" engine treatment? If the engine is shot it is worth a try.